2006-11-21 09:42:43 · 5 answers · asked by Amanda1 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
The answer is it should be a theory. In science the word theory means an explanation of a set of natural phenomena that is well supported by scientific evidence and can make predictions regarding future occurrences and observations. This is the definition of the word theory as it applies to science. In common usage the word is used as meaning a guess or conjecture.
In science however theories are the final step and they can include a number of laws, which are not all encompassing like theories.
I work in the field of science and we use the word theory when we mean scientific fact. Therefore cell theory describes the facts about a cell.
As a side note those who do not believe in evolution often state that evoluton is only a theory that is not well supported. The opposite is true. Those who work in science regard the Theory of Evolution as being the complete truth regarding the origin of species.
2006-11-21 09:52:40 · answer #1 · answered by mg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A theory is applied to a wide variety of circumstances. A law is a generalisation that has no known exceptions.
Until you understand everything, and can basically reduce it to a formula, you are stuck at theory.
2006-11-21 09:48:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
A scientific law is like gravity. It can be clearly proven again and again. 9.8 meters per second squared. No other explanations are even reasonable. Its clearly demonstrated and proven.
A theory can't be proven conclusively, so there it sits as a really good guess.
2006-11-21 09:49:03 · answer #3 · answered by kurticus1024 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Cells aren't proven to need extra characteristics, just like people don't have to have an appendix.
2006-11-21 09:48:42 · answer #4 · answered by merviedz trespassers 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Laws can not be broken.
Theories can have exceptions.
In thoery, cells are not required in a closed enviroment...
2006-11-21 09:47:07 · answer #5 · answered by Jorrath Zek 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋